Testing

Testing & Analysis

The aim of qualification is to assess the quality, reliability and durability of our products and to ascertain whether they will withstand the harsh and challenging conditions to which they will be subjected when deployed offshore.

Product testing and qualification plays a vital role in this industry, and is implemented to demonstrate product capability, reliability and consistency of supply. Fibron has a wide range of in-house test equipment to support this need.

The ISO-13628-5 /API 17E standard identifies a number of qualification tests. We can supply product that is qualified to this standard if specified and can work with our customers to comply with other test regimes as required.

testing

Typical tests include:

  • Reeling/Unreeling test – to assess the fatigue resistance of the umbilical to the reverse bending experienced during umbilical deployment and retrieval.
  • Fatigue test – to assess the fatigue resistance of the umbilical to repeated cycling of relatively small amplitude. Such a scenario can occur when an umbilical is deployed over a sheave with the winch in heave compensation mode or when the umbilical is deployed with a deck storm loop.
  • Tensile test – to certify the ultimate breaking load of the cable or umbilical to prove the mechanical termination design.
  • Crush/Clamp test – to determine the correct clamping force or the allowable crush load for over boarding operations.
  • Bend stiffness test – used as an input for product dynamic analysis or clashing analysis.

In addition to standard factory acceptance testing, Fibron can offer additional verification and test services using our in-house test facilities.

Testing FAQs

Answers to common questions about cable and umbilical testing, qualification, certification, terminations, repair and project documentation.

Testing can include reeling and unreeling, cyclic bend or bend-over-sheave testing, tensile and break-load testing, crush and clamp testing, bend-stiffness measurement, torque and rotation assessment, conductor resistance, insulation resistance, high-voltage withstand, partial-discharge evaluation, voltage breakdown and fibre-optic testing.

The required test programme is selected around the product, operating duty and customer acceptance criteria.

Factory acceptance testing confirms that a manufactured product meets its specified release requirements. Qualification testing is normally more extensive and demonstrates that a design can withstand representative mechanical, electrical or environmental loads.

A project may require both: qualification of the design followed by factory acceptance testing of the production length or completed assembly.

Yes, where the project specifies it. Fibron can design and qualify products with reference to ISO 13628-5/API 17E and can also work to other customer, industry or programme-specific requirements. The applicable standard, edition, test scope and acceptance criteria should be confirmed at the start of the project.

Yes. Fibron can work with third-party certification and test organisations when independent witnessing, testing, type approval or certification is required. The precise scope depends on the product, sector, contract and nominated approval body.

Fibron’s scope can include armour terminations, sleeves, integration plates, bend stiffeners, segmented bend restrictors, pull-in heads, hang-off collars, termination assemblies, junction boxes, mounting frames, multi-quick-connect plates, stab plates, J-tube seals, buoyancy modules, ballast modules, impact protection, abandonment kits and handling equipment.

The termination design is developed around the cable construction, load path and equipment interface.

Yes. Fibron can terminate and test assemblies using a range of established electrical and subsea connector systems. Diving hose ends can be supplied in common thread formats, and mechanical fittings, grips, D-rings, bend protection and oil or water stops can be added where required.

Connector suitability remains subject to the operating depth, pressure, voltage, mating method and system interface.

In many cases, yes. Fibron offers inspection, testing, repair, maintenance and re-termination services. The first stage is to determine the location and extent of the damage and whether the remaining construction can safely meet its required duty.

Some damage may require replacement rather than repair. Where a permanent repair cannot be completed immediately, Fibron can assess whether a controlled interim solution is technically and operationally appropriate.

Project documentation can include project plans, document registers, execution plans, work breakdown structures, inspection and test plans, quality plans, health and safety plans, qualification procedures, factory acceptance procedures, manufacturing records, test reports and manufacturing record books.

For larger or more complex contracts, a dedicated project manager can act as the principal point of contact.

Here to help

If you need an umbilical or cable and can’t immediately see what you’re looking for, please do get in touch. Most of our work is bespoke to the needs of a particular project, so we can’t show all of our capabilities on our website. As experts in our field, if you need a cable or umbilical, particularly for use in a challenging environment like offshore, there’s a good chance that we’ll be able to help.